Robert Redford’s Son James Has Died, and Fans Are Sending Condolences

James Redford, the son of actor Robert Redford, died on Friday at his home in Marin County, California. He was 58. The news shocked fans of Redford’s work and his father’s fans as well. Redford’s wife, Kyle Redford, said he died from bile-duct cancer in his liver. The documentary filmmaker previously had a liver transplant in the early 1990s, and his liver disease returned two years ago. Doctors discovered the cancer in November 2019, and Redford was awaiting a liver transplant when he died.

Kyle announced her husband’s death on Twitter Friday, alongside a collage of family photos. His family is “heartbroken” by his death, Kyle wrote. “He lived a beautiful, impactful life & was loved by many. He will be deeply missed,” Kyle wrote. “As his wife of 32 yrs, I’m most grateful for the two spectacular children we raised together. I don’t know what we would’ve done w/o them over the past 2yrs.” Kyle and Redford are parents to two children, Dylan and Lena.

After earning a degree in film and creative writing at the University of Colorado, Redford first broke into movies as a screenwriter, reports the Salt Lake Tribune. In the early 1990s, he was diagnosed with colitis and sclerosis cholangitis, an autoimmune disease in the liver. In 1993, he underwent a liver transplant. Kyle told the Tribune his liver disease returned two years ago, and they moved to Arizona to await a replacement liver.

​

Despite the illness, Redford continued making documentaries. Kyle said he was finishing work on Where The Past Begins, a new PBS documentary on author Amy Tan. Redford even virtually promoted his latest film, Playing for Keeps, which centers on the health benefits of playtime for children and adults. Redford’s other recent films include Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution, which profiles renewable energy pioneers, and Resilience, which focuses on the link between stress and addiction.

​

In 2005, Redford joined his father Robert to establish the Redford Center in San Francisco. The nonprofit produces films and provides funding for filmmakers to make movies about environmental and climate issues.

​

“As a filmmaker, writer and activist, Jamie was intentional and inspirational. As a father, husband, brother, son and a friend to so many – he was a devout supporter, always full of hope. He will be greatly and intensely missed,” Redford Center executive director Jill Tidman wrote in a Facebook statement.

​

“Condolences and prayers to all who loved Jamie Redford – his kindness, spirit will be celebrated through his movies, film, words and life – honoring his gift to all of humanity,” one fan wrote on the Redford Center’s Facebook page. “I am so so sorry for the Redford family. What a champion of nature and children he was. He and his work will be dearly missed,” another wrote.

​

“Heartfelt, sincere, prayerful condolences. I am truly sorry for your loss,” one fan wrote on the Redford Center’s Instagram page. “I am so sorry to hear of the passing of James Redford,, May he rest in peace… sorry to his wife and children and to his father and Mother also,” another added.

​

“Oh Kyle. I am so sorry and so sad to hear this. Sending you and Dylan and Lena love. Jamie was a special man. I feel lucky our paths crossed,” actress Dana Delany tweeted in response to Kyle’s post. “We so sorry to hear this, Kyle! Deepest condolences and love to you and your family. He had an incredibly impactful life and changed the world forever,” the group Dyslexic Advantage wrote.